Connie & Steve-lost all to Hurricane Ian

Hello Friends,

My name is Marlo and I belong to a tight group of friends who have known Connie and Steve for around 20 years. Many people have asked how they can help, so we've decided to set up a GoFundMe to help them get back up on their feet.

Our good friends, Connie and Steve, were hit by Hurricane Ian’s wrath and lost their entire Ft. Myers home of 8 years. Thankfully they were able to evacuate to a hotel and survived the direct hit by Ian, but when they were finally able to return, they found their beloved home and almost everything in it had been destroyed. The remaining structure is collapsing and covered in toxic black sludge. It's unsafe to even pick their way through the rubble at this point. They've lost almost everything, including all of Connie's artwork and artist supplies, Steve's tools, and their car.

They miraculously found two of their photo albums somewhat intact outside their home, and a third about 1/2 mile down the way at a friend's home (which was pure luck it ended up in someone's arms who they knew!) Right now Connie and Steve are staying at a friend's house figuring out their next steps.

If you know this couple, then you know how many times they’ve filled your lives with joy, laughter, and positivity. You know how many times they consistently and selflessly lift others up. They are usually the helpers themselves - and this time they need our help.

We’ve been watching Connie share photos over the years of their forever home with the most spectacular sunsets – now in utter ruins ☹ We wanted to reach out to loved ones, friends, our friends . . anyone who would like to help support and rebuild their lives to please send any help you can offer. All funds will go directly to Connie and Steve to help them get back on their feet ❤

Here are some photos of the damage they suffered:

and one of Connie's famous sunset photos